After weather delayed the start of the season Monday, the Mid-Prairie boys golf team is ready to open 2019 when they host Iowa City Regina Thursday at the Kalona Golf Course.

Last season the Golden Hawk boys advanced to the district round of the postseason with a third place finish in the sectional tournament. At districts, the Hawks were fifth in the team race, falling short of state. Mid-Prairie finished third at the RVC Championship meet a season ago with a 344 team score. Their 175 team average per nine holes was third. The Hawks were led last season by Elite All-Conference team member Noah Schlabaugh and honorable mention members Collin Gingerich and Ryan Slaubaugh. Mid-Prairie returns their number one from last season in Noah Schlabaugh. His nine hole scoring average of 39 a year ago, led the River Valley. The Hawks also return key pieces in Chaz Patterson, Monte Slabaugh and Ryan Smit. This week, Mid-Prairie head boys coach Kelby Bender talked about this year’s team. “With the way the weather has been we are so thankful to have the indoor facility. It has allowed us to get in, work on some things, and get a club back in their hands. The kids are ready to get out on the course. Noah Schlabaugh returns as our No. 1 from last year. He was sectional medalist. Ryan Smit had a nice season last year. We are looking for him to get better and be more consistent. Monte Slabaugh will also be a key contributor as a returner.”

Iowa City Regina shot a 186 average per nine holes a season ago, fifth in the RVC. The Regals lost two of their top three scorers from last year’s team to graduation but do return team leader Mark Schomer and his 41 average per nine holes. Action starts at 4p.m. and continues into the evening at the Kalona Golf Course.